Tuesday, December 4, Madison Square Garden
Since 1995, ESPN has hosted the the Jimmy V Classic in honor of Jim Valvano and the V foundaation for Cancer research. Jim Valvano started the V foundation in 1993 to raise money for cancer research and to keep Jim Valvano’s words “Don’t give up, Don’t ever give up” true to everyone. Since 1995 the Jimmy V Classic has been a four team affair in order to bring more awareness to cancer research while using the game that Jim Valvano loved.
In the opening game of the Jimmy V Classic, Notre Dame and Oklahoma battled it to the final minute before experience won out as Oklahoma pulled out a 85-80 victory. The game was back and fourth all night but with Oklahoma knocking in 15 3-pointers shooting 51% Notre Dame couldn’t overcome it.
In the night cap, Florida and West Virginia met in a much need game for both teams as neither team has been able to pick up any quality wins. Neither team looked great which ultimately led to a 66-56 Florida win. Neither team was able to shoot the ball well as Florida shot 33.3% and West Virginia shot even worse at 29.7%. Turnovers were an issue for both teams as well in the ugly game as both teams combined for 36 turnovers. Florida was able to leave with the win but both teams will need plenty of work before their next opponent.